Rurouni Kenshin
Sanosuke Sagara (Zanza): [about Kenshin] “Give him a sword and he’s unstoppable, but give him a bail of rice and he’s just an ordinary guy.”
I adore “Rurouni Kenshin” (Americanized as “Samurai X”). For me this is not only one of the best anime titles, but also a series in general. Of course, a good portion will surely protest and say the shorter (OVA) “Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal” is better. There’s some truth in that, but I immediately connect “Trust & Betrayal” with the title “Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection”… and that title, believe me, I always watch with great difficulty… whoever’s watched it will know what I’m talking about.
But let’s return to the titular title…
Some 11 years have passed since the end of Bakumatsu (the last years of the Edo period, when there was a showdown between rebel nationalists against the shogun, which resulted in the end of the rule of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu), and now the Meiji period has arrived (historically, this period lasted from 1868 to 1912 and is characterized by the end of Japan’s isolationist policy and the opening of its borders to Western powers and entry into the industrial period).
A wanderer by the name of Himura Kenshin arrives in a small town… and within seven seconds almost got beaten up by a petite kendo instructor named Kaoru, who confused him with the legendary assassin from the Bakumatsu period, known as “Hitokiri Battōsai” (let’s not mess with terrible translations like “slasher” and the like), who’s terrorizing the town and casting shame on Kaoru’s kendo school, presenting himself as a former student of her school. The reason for the confusion is that Himura carries a katana, and now a period has arrived when katanas are forbidden, except for police forces.
There are numerous reasons why the wanderer Himura Kenshin isn’t that famous, legendary assassin. First – he’s just arrived in town. Second – he’s short. Third – the katana he carries has a reversed cutting edge (reverse blade sword; jpn. sakabatō). In translation, the longer, outer part of the blade (which should be sharp) is dull, and the inner part is sharp, which means with his katana he can only cut butter (or himself, if he thoughtlessly rests the katana on his shoulder to look cool). Fourth – Himura is all dusty, extremely clumsy and too good-naturedly goofy. In translation, a handful of misery.
However at one critical moment when Kaoru and her school are attacked by a gang of thugs led by a fake “Assassin” (who is actually the same thug Kaoru’s late father kicked out of his school for his terrible behavior), good-natured Himura appeared… and in a couple of seconds laid all the scoundrels on the floor.
The famous “Hitokiri Battōsai” during the war period was recognizable by his red hair, X-shaped scar on his cheek and unique swordsmanship style Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū (Flying Heaven Honorable Sword Style – I absolutely don’t feel like translating something that sounds so powerful in the original…) – and our good-natured Kenshin possesses all three characteristics.
And then something unexpected happens… Kaoru offers Kenshin to stay and live with her, because she realized that that terrifying demon of death known as “Hitokiri Battōsai” no longer exists and that a man shouldn’t be judged by his past, but by what he is now. And now standing before her was a good-natured and clumsy wanderer who protects the weak with his dull katana.
However, this duo is soon joined by young Myōjin Yahiko, an orphan from a once-honorable samurai family, who had to turn to pickpocketing for the yakuza to pay off his parents’ debt… until the moment it’s discovered the debt never existed and he’s saved by Kenshin who has a talent for negotiation. From that moment, young and honorable (and stubborn) Yahiko decides to be like Kenshin when he grows up and becomes Kaoru’s student and protégé.
And there’s also Sagara Sanosuke, who as a boy was a member of a group of Japanese political extremists (Sekihōtai) who were used as a sacrificial lamb and whose he is (supposedly) the only surviving member. Now, as an adult, he spends his days as a mercenary who uses his huuuuuge sword (zanbatō) as an outlet to vent his anger at the current government because of his unfortunate past. His defeat in a showdown with Kenshin “opens his eyes” that he must rein in his anger. From that moment he becomes a friend of the aforementioned trio, and as his diplomatic skills in the future uses his intimidating presence and fists.
However, although we want to leave the past behind us, it often happens that the past won’t leave us. There will be frequent situations where Kenshin will be on the verge of again becoming the terrifying assassin “Hitokiri Battōsai,” all to protect his friends, allies, and even the country he once fought for. Whether it’s the yakuza, a local opium dealer, a man who wants to start a revolution to return the country to the samurai “warrior state,” the leader of a religious movement, or even a man trying to overthrow the current government and has the power to do it… our main hero will have to find balance between his vow to never take a life again and doing everything possible to save those closest to him.
I’d stop here with the plot itself, for the simple reason that it’s quite complex (actually, not so much complex as extensive), and we’ll mention some details in the further description of the series.
“Rurouni Kenshin” follows the adventures of this unusual aforementioned foursome through 95 episodes, divided into mini-chapters, with the exception of the “Kyoto arc” chapter which is the longest (but simultaneously the best) part of the series.
Now, why is “Rurouni Kenshin” such a brilliant series for me, which I can always watch again?
For starters, the plot set in the (waning) era of samurai, in an interesting historical period (opening of Japan to the West and the period of industrialization).
Very beautiful animation and drawings.
Excellently designed action scenes (especially since we’re talking about 1996).
Excellent (though repetitive) music, especially when action begins (only the opening theme song is retarded for me… just wait for the first 10 seconds to pass and everything will be clear XD).
Brilliant characters who have a serious (and detailed) past behind them, which we learn in bits as the series unfolds, as well as their further development during it.
Post-war Kenshin is, in his default mode, peace-loving, quite goofy, clumsy, with a squeaky/feminine voice, who works as if he’s a maid in Kaoru’s dojo and who (especially) doesn’t like (better said, gets scared) when Kaoru gets angry at him. His comedic trademark is when an unexpected situation happens, he grins with the comment “oro” (and if Kaoru in fury launches him with her fist into the clouds then it’s “OROUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuu… CRASH!”). How much I adore that catchphrase “ORO,” you can’t imagine (no kidding, that catchphrase escapes from me too sometimes without me being aware :D). But there’s also Kenshin’s dark side. His past when it overtakes him in rare moments, transforms him into a cold-blooded killing machine, with an icy voice and absence of any emotion. Especially in moments when Kaoru is endangered and when he’s ready to sacrifice everything for her, including his inner peace. Also, Kenshin isn’t some superhero. He led a long and exhausting war 10 years ago. Although still as dangerous as in his best days, he’s nevertheless more vulnerable, and wounds take an increasing toll on him. But he’s definitely a unique character. By the way, when the series starts he’s already nearing thirty (precisely, he’s 28 years old), and it’s interesting to follow him on his path where he doesn’t kill, but always struggles with his demonic past. By the way, the author found inspiration for this character in a real assassin from that period.
Kamiya Kaoru is a stubborn young girl (she’s still younger than Kenshin by about 10+ years, she’s like 17 years old), who loves her dojo, loves Kenshin (though of course, can’t express emotions in the classic way, after all this is Japan… actually, maybe it’s not so much tradition as she hopes this clumsy guy will know better how to express his emotions), cooks terribly, is easily annoyed, and then can become quite aggressive (to frighten even Kenshin sometimes). But she’s likewise very good-natured, self-sacrificing and with a strong sense of justice. With Kenshin she’ll experience quite cheerful, but also quite painful moments, which will always maintain in her the fear that Kenshin will one day leave her because he’ll again become a wanderer or assassin. By the way, she (really) loves to eat and loves novelties of the modern West. And seems to be the only one capable from the leading foursome to truly earn money for food. Nothing without women, whatever (historical) era it is. 😀
Sagara “Sano” Sanosuke is a young guy (around 19 years old) who has considerable distrust toward the new government because of their attitude in the past (you’ll learn a lot about the Sekihō Army to which he belonged as a child, as well as the meaning of the kanji sign “wicked” he wears on his back), and who worked as a mercenary/bodyguard to survive and fought with dangerous people and vented his frustration that way. After a duel with Kenshin he becomes somewhat softer in his attitudes toward the modern world. Although he’s often presented as an impulsive, comedic and hot-headed character, likewise there are frequent moments where he shows shrewdness and greater maturity than his years. His main weapons are fists and a hard head (and he’s generally quite stubborn anyway).
Yahiko Myōjin is an orphan who’s a descendant of samurai and who had to work for the yakuza to pay off his late sick mother’s debt. When Kaoru and Kenshin save him from the yakuza, he becomes a resident of Kamiya dojo, as Kaoru’s student and help around the house. He’s quite proud (carries it in samurai genes) and a brave boy. He holds great respect for Kenshin (when he’s serious, otherwise the moronic version of Kenshin annoys him), and with Sano and Kaoru has a relationship like with a brother and sister… they constantly argue and annoy each other, but love each other very much and there’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other.
There are also many other interesting characters who have larger or smaller roles in the series.
Takani Megumi, a doctor who helps this crew and constantly hangs around Kenshin (and is the first to notice how Kenshin’s body is actually exhausted from decades of battles), with her seductive foxy behavior.
Especially interesting to you will be Saitō Hajime (during the war a member of Shinsengumi which fought on the shogunate’s side, as one of the unit’s captains) who has unsettled accounts with Kenshin from the past, but now become unwilling allies in many events of significance for the country. He’s always calm, arrogant, cold-blooded and sarcastic (which leads to comedic clashes between him and Sano) and has preserved in himself that “way of the sword” even in modern times, where he now works as a policeman/secret agent for the new government. Kenshin and he can’t stand each other, though they have (tacit) respect for one another. His trademark is the Gatotsu technique. In strength and skill he equals Kenshin, if not more dangerous (because he’s preserved his cold-bloodedness and willingness to kill). He’s a typical anti-hero, and simultaneously is presented as a typical contrast to Kenshin regarding way of life and worldview, and their two different perspectives give a very beautiful whole of that world. By the way, he’s based on a historical figure from that period.
Shinomori Aoshi, leader of the former Oniwabanshu group (historically, these were secret agents the shogunate would engage for various confidential tasks, from gathering information to eliminating enemies, and were often presented as ninjas as we know them today), obsessed with killing Kenshin, just to prove his group is “strongest” and to dedicate that victory to his killed comrades, because of the historical situation that prevented their group from having more active participation in the war. Presented as a cool and cold-blooded character, with a specific fighting style.
Makimachi Misao is a young kunoichi (or if you prefer “female ninja”) whom the Oniwabanshu group raised from childhood. She’s madly in love with Aoshi and constantly searches for him, and blindly believes he never betrayed them.
I’d also mention the character Hiko Seijūrō XIII, a mysterious potter. Actually, this craftsman is none other than currently the 13th in line instructor of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style! Huge in stature, frightening in appearance and with an inflated ego, Hiko lives outside the world and doesn’t use his swordsmanship skills around Japan (there’s also a reason why, as well as why Kenshin had a conflict with his teacher about his participation in the revolution). This is a brilliant character who will rarely appear in the series… for the simple reason that he’s more powerful than Kenshin! He’ll appear rarely and more as a deus ex machina element in the series. In translation, he’s like Chuck Norris in the series. If he were the main hero in “Rurouni Kenshin,” the series would probably have only a couple of episodes. 😅
Of course, the villains are also a special story unto themselves, with their (diabolical) motives, but none of them can compare to Shishio Makoto. This Kenshin’s “successor” to the Hitokiri title is surely one of the most memorable villains in films and series. All wrapped in bandages (due to burns he sustained at the moment of betrayal by his closest allies), this is a man who with his vision and charisma effortlessly gathers around himself the worst (but very capable) scum of the criminal underworld. And moreover he equals Kenshin in skill (if not better than him). And if you add his intellect and view of the current government, you’re not at all sure whether he’s some real philosopher and politician… or a heavy psychopath.
Simply, “Rurouni Kenshin” is a very dear series to me. The atmosphere, historical period in which it’s set and beautiful characters make it (at least for me) a small perfection. With good reason it later spawned successful (and excellent) film adaptations, and I recently learned that a reboot is planned for summer 2023!
What gives the series special depth are also some life (not to say philosophical) elements. Is the past something we can leave behind or must we simply accept it as a shadow? Can we redeem ourselves for mistakes in the past and have a happy remainder of life or will they always punish us? Can we forgive ourselves? Can love always win?
There are of course also political questions, when a change of government occurs and constant criticism of both the new and old government (which is always a current topic in these areas 😅). How much time does a new government need to sort out the situation in the country? Is the new government’s motive truly for the people to be better off, or is it simply “unsaddle Kurt to saddle Mort”? Can “demons” unleashed during revolutions (because then, you know, means aren’t chosen for victory) be controlled in times of peace, or do such people still want to wage their own war and sow chaos?
And all of the above, that’s why “Rurouni Kenshin” is a series for all generations, definitely one of my favorites and best, which I can always watch. From me it will always have absolute recommendation and must-see title.
And you, dear reader, do you know the meaning of the word Kenshin? 🙂
Trailer | Imdb | MyAnimeList
Release Date: 1996 | Format: Series | Number of Seasons: 3 (95 episodes) | Average Episode Duration: 24 minutes
